Ep 7. Inside the Living Body

Inside the Living Body is the seventh episode of National Geographic Documentaries season 2007. The episode offers an unprecedented look at the inner workings of the human body, showcasing how the body's system operates from birth through death.

The episode starts with a depiction of the early developmental stages of the human body, describing the process of fertilization and the growth of an embryo into a fully formed fetus. Viewers get to witness the different bodily structures and organs, such as the heart and lungs, develop and begin functioning in the womb. The episode then follows the birth of the baby, with the camera capturing the first gasp of air that newborns take as their lungs come to life.

The episode then moves on to explore the different stages of human life and the changes that the body undergoes throughout life. It looks into the human immune system, the defense system that keeps disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites at bay, and provides immunity against subsequent infections. Viewers see how white blood cells protect the body from infection, and how the system can trigger an allergic reaction when it mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat.

Viewers get an in-depth look at the functioning of the nervous system, which controls all aspects of the body and is responsible for automatic responses like breathing and digestion. The episode shows how the brain helps humans perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and memory recall. It also emphasizes the spinal cord's crucial role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

The workings of the digestive system are also exposed as cameras travel through the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, showing viewers the complex process of breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

The episode also covers the human cardiovascular system, showcasing how the heart pumps blood, and how blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. It highlights how a healthy cardiovascular system is essential for human survival and warns viewers about the dangers of heart disease.

As the episode comes to an end, it takes viewers through the aging process and the changes that take place as the body ages. It discusses common age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and arthritis and how they affect the body's systems.

Overall, Inside the Living Body offers a unique look inside the inner workings of the human body, showcasing the remarkable way in which the body is designed to function. It educates viewers about the complexity of the human body and the importance of taking care of it. This episode serves as a fantastic resource for anyone interested in biology and medicine or for anyone curious about their own bodies.